Hi all, just wondering what types of schools I should target with a high GPA and relatively low LSAT score. I have 5 years of work experience as a paralegal, including one year at a major multinational investment bank and I also published two articles I wrote as part of my Master's program in law journals.

Last edited by bsafra1 on Sun Nov 30, 2014 8:52 am, edited 1 time in total.

I agree with Mist. You could potentially save thousands by spending a few months hardcore studying for a retake. If you're not sure how you can improve on the studying you did the first time, check out all of the guides & advice in the LSAT forum and post if you have questions.

Improving by ten points could get you a full ride to schools where your chances at a good outcome are five times those at schools you'll be paying full price for now. In your case, a better score is probably worth millions of dollars over the course of your career when you consider the scholarship, and expected outcome from the TT's you'll get in now and the great schools you'll get in with a better score.

I raised my score more than 10 pts from 1st to 2nd try. I had some extenuating circumstances that attributed to the first score, but I still put in the concerted effort to do way better the second time. It can be done. Just depends on how bad you want a good school (insanely good school in your case) and minimal debt. If you set a goal, develop a study plan, hold yourself accountable and stick to it and crush your second take, you'll likely get a top 10 school with substantial scholarships that will greatly reduce debt (or potentially give you full rides to state/regional schools, if that's more in line with what you want).

You are looking exclusively at regional schools. I wouldn't bother applying to any school ranked better than Emory as things stand now. You aren't getting much money at a decent regional school. If you are cool with living in Des Moines, U Iowa is one of the best regional schools in the country.

In short, your prospects are not that great. Your work experience and master's degree will definitely put you over the edge with respect to those with similar numbers. It won't put you over the edge against someone with a 3.8 and 161.

I would disagree, I think these are above average and potentially non-negligent softs depending on their quality. Regardless, nowhere near relevant or strong enough to make it worthwhile to apply without a retake. In fact, the overall strength of the candidacy gives OP even more to lose by not giving their LSAT a fighting chance.

I would disagree, I think these are above average and potentially non-negligent softs depending on their quality. Regardless, nowhere near relevant or strong enough to make it worthwhile to apply without a retake. In fact, the overall strength of the candidacy gives OP even more to lose by not giving their LSAT a fighting chance.

They make retaking make more sense. You have stuff to talk about at an interview. Without a retake, you are unlikely to get many of those.

bsafra1 wrote:Hi all, just wondering what types of schools I should target with a high GPA and relatively low LSAT score. I have 5 years of work experience as a paralegal, including one year at a major multinational investment bank and I also published two articles I wrote as part of my Master's program in law journals.